Friends of the Stage plan fundraiser

Center stage at the Civic Center in Rouses Point was made possible in part from funds received from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Environmental Protection Agency and donations from businesses, organizations and individuals in the community.

Steve Merchant belonged to the group and one of the members had some grant money to spend. So Merchant suggested an outdoor stage and the result was the center stage at the Civic Center.

“We host free concerts for the community,” Merchant said.

But the work is not done. The center stage needs more lighting, a digital sign to advertise events, and performances cost money, so the Friends of the Stage are hosting a golf tournament on Aug. 12.

The event is at the North Country Golf Club in Rouses Point and all proceeds go toward the center stage, specifically to cover lighting, a digital sign at the Recreation Center and performances.

The tournament is a four-player scramble, shotgun start.

The North Country Golf Club, which has been open since 1936, features an 18-hole, par 72 course with water hazards coming into play on several holes. The fairways are open and the small greens are fast.

The rolling terrain is easy to walk at the course, located on Hayford Road in Rouses Point.

The cost for nonmembers is $50, which includes a cart rental and buffet dinner. Members pay $40 and members with carts pay $35.

Merchant has more than $1,000 in money and prizes to give away, including gift certificates and golf clubs.

First, second and third place winners also earn cash prizes.

For further information, call 297-2582.

“You don’t have to be a great golfer to play,” Merchant said. “Hopefully it is a nice day and we draw a good crowd.”

All proceeds go back to the venue.

Merchant said the stage has been a hit with the community.

“We built the outdoor stage three years ago,” he said. “We built it for the community and host free concerts for the community.”